Hubbell Wiring Device/Kellems, a division of Hubbell Inc., Orange, Conn., and PEP (Plug-in Electric Power), Livonia, Mich., a provider of premium electric vehicle charging stations, recently announced a strategic alliance under which Hubbell will have exclusive representation and marketing rights for PEP Stations products in North America. Hubbell will offer a line of commercial electric-vehicle charging solutions that are architecturally appealing and constructed to withstand the most demanding environments. In a press release, Gary Amato, president, Hubbell Electrical Systems, said, “The PEP Stations EVSE are an ideal fit for commercial property owners who value a clean attractive appearance in front of their buildings.”
PEP's stations provide pay-per-use and access control functionality. EV charging and user access are fully automated and self-guided, providing the driver an “electric refueling” experience similar to that of self-serve gas pumps. Backed by networked 24-hour station monitoring and service by Diebold Inc., Canton, Ohio, PEP charging station deployments and operation for building owners are best characterized by “set it and forget it.” According to information at www.pepstations.com, PEP's Level 2 dual EV charger requires no network subscriptions for the owner or end-user to recharge their electric vehicle. PEP's business model for electric car charging allows for pay-per-use configuration via a credit card/access card or unrestricted use. The charging stations touch screen user interface makes EV charging as easy as traditional fueling methods.
Award-winning developer and designer, James Blain & Associates, Livonia, Mich., designed the EV charging station design to be exceptionally building-owner-friendly, safe, reliable and aesthetically pleasing. PEP was conceived as a result of a tenant requirement at an office building in the metropolitan Detroit area. The tenant, a supplier of GM, needed a place to charge its Chevy Volt when the driver was at work. Blain was asked to design a commercial electric vehicle charge station to meet the needs of the property owner and its tenant. The property owner wanted the charging stations to be identifiable, indestructible, inexpensive and user-friendly.
Commenting on the company's alliance with Hubbell in a press release, James Blain, president and founder of PEP Stations, said, “Hubbell is a world -class provider of high quality electrical and electronic products across a wide spectrum of markets, and we are delighted to underpin this distinction with the addition of PEP charging stations.”